Reginald, son of Somerled (Lord of the Isles), founded the nunnery in 1200 and installed his sister, Beatrice, as its first prioress.

One of only two Augustinian Orders in Scotland, the Iona Nunnery earned itself the name 'An Eaglais Dhubh' - the black church - after the colour of nuns' robes.

Unlike the rest of the Abbey buildings, the Iona Nunnery has not been restored since being made derelict during the Reformation.

The pink granite walls that remain, despite being ruinous, are amongst the best examples of a medieval nunnery left in Britain.

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Best Road Cycling Rides to Iona Nunnery

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1. Bunessan Bay – Loch na Lathaich loop from The Village

29.7km

01:16

210m

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Elevation 10 m

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Sunday 25 January

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Location: Iona, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Iona Abbey and Nunnery

Iona Nunnery

1. Bunessan Bay – Loch na Lathaich loop from The Village

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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